Grammy winner Doechii looks to future after dream music run

A top 10 single, Grammy award and a breathing exercise thats gone viral.

The last few weeks for American rapper Doechii have been quite something.

Or, in her words: "Its like now my dreams arent dreams anymore. Theyre reality.

"I just feel like Im walking on the ceiling right now," she tells Radio 1s New Music Show.

The 26-year-old won this years best rap album Grammy for Alligator Bites Never Heal - only the third female artist to do so.

And the infectious "breathin exercise" outro from her hit single Denial is a River has got millions of people trying to emulate the "Uh-uh-ooh, uh-uh-ah, uh, uh, uh, ah…" lyric.

After all that, you could forgive her for wanting to take a step back and reflect, but she insists thats not her style.

She says her first thought when she woke up, post-Grammy win, was that she "wants to work and get in the studio".

Doechii considers making music like "working a muscle" in the gym.

"Some days you have days where you hit the gym and youre sore and then you have those days where youre really on fire.

"Thats what art is and thats what pushing the pin is for me," she says.

The Florida-born artist rose to prominence with the viral 2021 hit Yucky Blucky Fruitcake, after which she toured with SZA and Doja Cat.

And she says "at the front of everything" is thinking "a song a day".

"It doesnt need to be a good song, it just needs to be a song.

"And eventually, things will come out and I can make a project out of that."

She adds taking "small risks" is important.

"And you try things little by little, and then eventually those risks get bigger and bigger and bigger.

"And you trust yourself, you build a confidence and thats kind of how you establish who you are," Doechii says.

When Doechii does have a block in making music, she says its because "Im criticising myself".

"Im critiquing the work. And its like, dont critique the work. Just get the work done and move on."

Dealing with criticism, whether its from herself or outside, is something shes aware of.

Her speech after winning her Grammy was recognised for its message to black women.

"Dont allow anybody to project any stereotypes on you," she told the audience.

"To tell you that you cant be here, that youre too dark, or that youre not smart enough, or that youre too dramatic, or youre too loud. You are exactly who you need to be, to be right where you are, and I am a testimony right now."

Speaking to 1Xtras Remi Burgz, she adds the intention was to tell people to trust "your inner voice".

"And not allowing what other people say… to stunt your growth."

While it has been a joyous past few months, there is a focus on the future.

There will be an album, Doechii says, but also dreams of a Super Bowl performance "inspired" by Kendrick Lamar.

She says his "story and messaging" was on another level and is "in awe of his ability to create a performance that has a story and message".

"But its still digestible for people. Hes a master at that and Im always inspired."

But when she thinks back to a year ago and where she was in her career, she recalls the words of American rapper ScHoolboy Q as advice for anyone in a similar position.

"Youll know an album is done when you have nothing left to say. Youve bared everything.

"And I think thats a powerful message, because you keep writing until youve gotten it all out," she says.

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